Placebook: The Optimistic Southerner

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Today I ran across an article that captured the essence of why I’m out here writing this page, and developing an even bigger platform. Essentially, to tell the story of the citified Southerner.  Like these guys and also these guys, I’m trying to tell a different, but valid story. Of the Southerners we all know. The Southerners that are usually black or white, but increasingly Hispanic or Asian, from an Arabic country or the jungles of Vietnam. The Southerners that because they   open their mouths and sprout out intelligent things through the twang are an object of shock and awe. The Southerners that consume sushi one night and then fried chicken or bone-in fried fish with their hands the next.  And of course, we defy all stereotypes, including the ones I mentioned here.

I’m linking to this article one more time just to make sure you pay attention. And for those of you who are fellow citified or even just dignified on the farm Southerners, be proud. And as our friend Killer Mike says on another part of that very page, give back to your community. And in my special way of giving back, I give you the news:

There will be a DuckHead store in downtown Greensboro, along with the relocated corporate headquarters of Prospect Brands.

An outside law firm has determined that the $750,000 loan from the City of Greensboro to the International Civil Rights Museum and Center was valid despite the lack of signature on the contract.

The Greensboro City Council has formed a committee on East Greensboro. The meetings are open to the public and the next one will be held at 4 p.m. on April 17th.

This News and Observer editorial on outgoing Raleigh planning director Mitchell Silver captures perfectly what many of us feel about him moving up and us losing him as a leader in planning in the state. Also nice, these editorials on the RDU Airport land and the Raleigh mayor’s speechthat focused on transit and transportation.

Beloved Raleigh barbecue joint Clyde Coopers will reopen with some of its original touches right around the corner, while making way for a new mixed-used development in downtown Raleigh.

New apartments are planned on South Elm-Eugene Street in Greensboro, near the I-85 interchange.

A report has confirmed that Wilmington’s roads are in bad shape. However a food truck rodeo was successful and raised money for local nonprofits, and a troubled housing community is improving.

Cumberland County Commissioners are working on a plan for the arsenic-tainted wells in one community.

The Lumbee Tribal Council is questioning a loan to purchase the  North Carolina Indian Cultural Center and only has two weeks to make a decision before the opportunity is given to the general public to purchase.

Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools has revealed their teacher tenure plan. Wake County Schools will hold off on introducing its behavior grade system.

Charlotte-area residents spend over 40 hours in traffic a year according to a study commissioned by an organization that supports highway construction. This same organization presented statewide figures on cost savings from repaired roads and pushed for more road projects statewide.

Charlotte home prices have also increased by 7.2% in January.

The Asheville City Council has approved the I-26 connector route. In addition, the City of Asheville is set to explain all the new rules for zoning and planning along Haywood Road, which includes an area dedicated to live-work spaces and smaller setbacks to the road for new buildings. Water rates may also go up in Asheville.

Popular Asheville eatery White Duck Taco will open it’s second location later this spring. The Asheville VA will also open more clinics.

Governor McCrory has requested federal storm recovery money.

And finally, not really urbanist related, but the Durham Bulls will be dressed up as R2-D2 for their May 4th game. And the Winston-Salem Dash has been purchased by the owners of the Chicago White Sox, which will also ensure the lease of the ballpark from the City of Winston-Salem is extended and allows the ballpark to not draw on taxpayer funds for maintenance.